The GM 3.4 engines made up to 2004 weren’t a Vega engine, however, with various problems, to that time the 3.8 was hands-down a better engine. In approximately, late 2004, GM turn the 3.4 design over to GM China. They had to modify the problems in which we couldn’t or just wouldn’t fix. The earlier 3.4 were noted with having leaking intake manifolds, whereas it is told that the Dex-Cool cause the material to dissolve or some such disaster. Whereas, the newer Chinese 2004 and later GM intake and gaskets were replaced with valve covers, new oil pan design, electronic throttle and a new ignition. The Chinese models IMHO have the bugs worked out with little problems remaining. I have talked to 100s’ of Torrent and Equinox owners, {which, have the Shanghai GM 3.4 product}, and I have never heard of one having an engine problem. The new Chinese 3.4 will drop into the older GM products without a hitch and this is the reason I told you about them. If I was going to use one I would get a Chinese 3.4 engine if I could find one. If you think GM China is junk look at the Chinese Buick sales in Asia; they are whipping the Japanese, Koreans, Europeans and the other American automobiles products in Asia and parts of Europe hands down. I hear people all the time criticizing the Chinese products, just remember if we took all Chinese made products from our homes we wouldn’t have any electronics; no TVs, computers, stereos, calculators, stoves, washing machines and so forth. The Asians have always improved other people’s designs, just looks what the Japanese accomplished when they bought out Triumph and BSA…..
By the way my wife loves her Equinox.
